Potsdam Humane Society recognizes sponsors for contributions

POTSDAM - When it comes to support, there are a lot of backers in the Potsdam Humane Societys corner, according to one of the organizations board members.

They recognized some of those supporters during their annual Donor Recognition/Ground Hog Coffee Break Friday morning at Between the Buns, Potsdam.

Fittingly, board member Bonnie Boyd said, Between the Buns was one of their supporters, offering them use of the sports bar for an hour.

They plan on having a celebrity bartender fundraiser for us in the future, she said.

Among the other supporters of the Potsdam Humane Society are the businesses that carry the organizations donation canisters.

Theyre all over town. The canisters are absolutely huge income for us, Ms. Boyd said, noting those alone had raised approximately $5,000, which is amazing - people just putting in quarters.

They also have those who participate in the Adopt-the-Shelter program. Bronze Paw Sponsors commit to $500 annually or one donation of $1,500 during a three-year period. Silver Paw Sponsors commit to $1,000 annually or one donation of $3,000 during a three-year period. Gold Paw Sponsors commit to $5,000 annually or one donation of $15,000 during a three-year period.

The programs goals are to meet 5 to 10 percent of the Potsdam Humane Societys operating budget each year through business sponsorships; to provide business-friendly ways to support the humane society, based on budgeted donations and scheduled recognition; and to promote animal-loving and -pet-friendly businesses to pet owners, Potsdam Humane Society supporters and the community at large.

Those who participate in the program are prominently and continuously listed on the adoption page of the organizations website, which officials say averages 20,000 visitors a month including 12,000 unique visitors.

Theyre also invited to the annual Ground Hog Day Breakfast and are included in a special bi-annual report listing thats distributed every other year.

The Potsdam Humane Society also thanks those sponsors through exterior signage at the Potsdam Animal Shelter, a large Thank You animal prop display in the businesss lobby or other high-traffic area, a featured story on the organizations website, a newspaper article and a radio announcement.

Individuals like Iris Anable have also made an impact in their own special way to the Potsdam Humane Society, Ms. Boyd said. Ms. Anable writes out a $10 check each month to the organization.

Originally, Ms. Boyd recalled, Ms. Anable had told them, I cant do much, but I can write you a $10 check each month.

After the first year, Ms. Anable told them, That wasnt painful. Im going to do it another year.

And shes been doing it every year since 2006, Ms. Boyd said.

If I can do this, I know others can, Ms. Anable said, challenging other animal lovers to join her in making a commitment. You will feel so good when you do.

Her son, Matt, also acts as a photographer for the Potsdam Humane Society, taking pictures of the animals and putting them on the organizations website.

Hes there more than paid employees, Ms. Boyd said.

During Fridays event, the Potsdam Humane Society also recognized Helen Hollinger, who served 25 years as the treasurer and has now retired and turned the reins over to others.